Polyimide Flexible Heaters
Polyimide is a thin, lightweight organic polymer film that provides excellent tensile
strength, tear resistance and dimensional stability. Polyimide heaters are best suited
for solar array packaging processes. Polyimide has the additional attributes of low
outgassing for vacuum environments and is resistant to radiation, fungus, solvents
and many other chemicals. Polyimide has precise temperature distribution, and with
the proper bonding or attachment methods to subassemblies can reduce installation
costs.
• Excellent physical and electrical properties result in thermal stability
• Process temperature as high as 260°C (500ºF)
• Transparent polyimide material allows inspection of internal details
• Resistant to radiation and fungus, allowing use in a wide range of applications
and r
ecognitions
• Custom heater circuit pattern allows for optimized single and multi-circuit
designs
Features
Cable heaters
• High ductility allows unlimited coiling geometries
• Diameters as small as 10 mm (0.4 in.) to fit in tight spaces
• Low mass for quick response to both heating and cooling
• Process temperature up to 650°C (1200°F)
• 304, 316 stainless steel or Incoloy
®
for high temperature corrosion and
oxidation resistance
• Internal thermocouples for high-limit protection or process control
Features
Nitrogen (N
2
) STARFLOW Air Heaters
Throughout many steps in the photovoltaic manufacturing processes, Watlow cable
circulation heaters help to improve process time and operating efficiency. Using
clean, hot gases reduces wafer drying time. The STARFLOW circulation heater
is engineered to heat a flowing gas stream up to temperatures of 760˚C
(1400˚F). Because the element is sheathed, the unit can operate in gas streams
that require a clean environment, as well as atmospheres that contain
contaminants and moisture. Watlow’s star-wound cable circulation heater provides
extremely efficient and reliable heating.
• Small diameter star-wound heater elements for quick thermal response
• 316L stainless steel heater construction provides pure air streams
• Electro polished steel housing reduces likelihood of contamination
• Integral Type J or K thermocouples for precise control and high limit safety
Features
Nitrogen (N
2
) STARFLOW
air heaters
Heater Solutions - 5
Polyimide
flexible
heaters
